MARDI GRAS: FUN-FUELED VACATION INNOVATION

When we launched our first ship, 1972’s TSS Mardi Gras, we made cruising a lot less stuffy, a bit less fancy, the kind of fun everybody could enjoy. Nobody expected this ship to change the cruise world, but… here we are! In 2020 we’ll be launching a brand-new ship with a familiar name. You guessed it: Mardi Gras. We aren’t just paying homage to our first ship — in cruising circles this name suggests innovation, signals the start of something big. And it shouts “fun!” at the top of its lungs. We’re building this new Mardi Gras to live up to that legacy, so start daydreaming now! For one thing, this ship introduces Zones — six themed areas packed with brand-new experiences for eating, drinking and spectacularly getting down to fun. More announcements are still to come, but we’re all ready to pull the wraps off what may be the most thrilling: BOLT™, the first-ever rollercoaster at sea! Everybody can enjoy Mardi Gras, sailing in 2020. Come on down!

Ok, a few places — get ready for six distinct onboard zones featuring brand-new experiences for spectacularly getting down to food, drink and fun.

New feature

Grand Central

On a Carnival cruise your vacation starts in the atrium, and on Mardi Gras that’s in the Grand Central zone. By the way… on this ship the atrium’s different. Don’t be surprised if you step inside and the first place you want to look is upwards. Up there are high ceilings that hint at even more fun living on the three decks above! But look around too… you’ll find floor-to-ceiling windows that really bring in the ocean views. Of course you’ll be back here throughout your cruise, taking a break with a nice cup of coffee, enjoying live music up on stage, or killing time fabulously with a handcrafted cocktail in between evening shows. In Grand Central you’re never far from great dining spots like Bonsai Sushi and Bonsai Teppanyaki, plus feel-good entertainment like Piano Bar 88 and The Punchliner Comedy Club.

French Quarter

If “big” and “easy” sound about right for your vacation, you might just make the French Quarter on Mardi Gras your home zone. What inspired this place is no less than New Orleans itself… and if all this talk of NOLA has you half as hungry as we are, you’ll be pleased to hear that our French Quarter is lined with bars and eateries worthy of their namesake, spots serving up everything from small plates to classic Hurricane cocktails straight from the bayou. For one thing, there’s the spectacularly, authentically delicious Emeril’s Bistro 1396™ — developed in partnership with yes-that-Emeril. Just steps away there’s entertainment inspired by the world-renowned Crescent City nightlife — yep, there’s a hot jazz club in this zone — plus you’re not far from more bars, lounges and some funky little shops.

Summer Landing

Go ahead and call Summer Landing “the greatest chill spot at sea” … and we’ll be right there with you, any time of year! Know what goes great with chilling outdoors? BBQ, so we’re building a Guy’s Pig & Anchor Smokehouse | Brewhouse into this zone to make sure it always tastes like summer here, courtesy of freshly-smoked faves designed by Guy Fieri. You wouldn’t be surprised that the pool and whirlpool aren’t far, but would you have guessed that there’s even original Parched Pig™ beers brewing just a few feet from the tap? Expect the funexpected — at Summer Landing, this kind of fun’s in season literally all the time.

La Piazza

La dolce vita is within reach at La Piazza… and we’d know, with all the Italian seafaring spirit that’s literally driving the ship. This zone stands for flavor, and it starts with Cucina del Capitano, which brings your party together for an evening of Italian favorites served family-style, while Pizzeria del Capitano makes delizioso happen for you 24 hours a day atop a base of imported Italian flour and fresh mozzarella. Atmosphere is everything here, so roaming musicians provide an authentic soundtrack to your time in La Piazza. Mardi Gras debuts a new Mediterranean spot specializing in seafood, plus there’s even a bar where you’ll sip authentic espresso drinks by day and classic Italian cocktails when the sun goes down.

Lido

If you’ve cruised with us before, you know Lido… but aboard Mardi Gras this poolside zone features even more delicious and fun ways to spend a day. Everybody looks to Lido for variety, and with tons of casual dining spots you’ll discover new experiences among the flavors that keep our guests coming back. Take in a Dive-In Movie at the pool and you’re not far from signature Carnival favorites like Guy’s Burger Joint, the New England-inspired Seafood Shack, and BlueIguana Cantina taco spot. And for folks hoping we haven’t forgotten: yes, Lido is absolutely home to fan-favorite Swirls, the free soft-serve spot cranking out the cool 24 hours a day!

THE ULTIMATE PLAYGROUND

Don’t let the name fool you — this zone is ages everybody and up. Kids, you’re going to love this. And adults, the playground has grown up with you. So yay for play! Of course The Ultimate Playground starts with BOLT™, the first rollercoaster at sea, an all-electric thrill ride that puts the power of speed in your hands. But that’s only the beginning — this playground has the largest Carnival WaterWorks ever with three huge spiraling slides, plus SportSquare is here featuring an entire mini-golf course, full-court basketball and a ropes course. And, of course, more. Ultimate enough for you?

Mardi Gras is going to be full of fun new ways to spend your time, but definitely isn’t leaving the fan favorites ashore.

New feature

BOLT: ULTIMATE SEA COASTER

Aboard Mardi Gras you’ll meet BOLT™: the fastest — and first! — rollercoaster at sea. Strap in and zoom your motorcycle-style speed machine around an open-air course high, high above sea level. You know how on most rollercoasters... actually, never mind. Forget other coasters because this all-electric thrill ride puts you in the driver’s seat. That means you actually get to control how fast you go, so hit the gas and try for the fastest time, go for the biggest thrill — plus some amazing 360° ocean views! And for the folks who choose to chill: go light on the pedal, and this just might be the coaster for you!

WATERWORKS

included

For those who flock to waterparks just ready to make a splash, we’d suggest sliding on over to WaterWorks aboard Mardi Gras. Three large-scale spiraling slides, a giant dumping bucket, twin racing slides and more — you know, the works — are all practically overflowing for your hydro-delight. When you spot the slides on board you’ll see that they mean business… though we recommend checking them out from the inside.

HAVANA BAR & POOL

additional

On Mardi Gras you’ll find the Havana Bar & Pool. Good find — the relaxation pool is an exclusive retreat to paradise by day, and the bar becomes a hot dance spot when the sun goes down. Grab a seat at the bar and order up a handcrafted Cuban cocktail like a traditional daiquiri or classic mojito. This bar is just steps from the pool, whose ocean view and atmosphere mingles with the bar’s own, for a bit of that old-time Cuban resort flavor.

SPORTSQUARE

included

You’ll find an oasis of friendly competition at SportSquare, located at The Ultimate Playground on Mardi Gras. Take on friends at mini-golf, battle strangers at basketball, or push yourself to new heights at SkyCourse... or to record-setting low times at the jogging track. SportSquare gets you in the game with soccer and volleyball (the b-ball court converts!), brings pool, foosball and ping-pong to the table, and rounds things out for shaping up with your choice of stationary bikes and elliptical machines. Are you game?

SERENITY ADULT-ONLY RETREAT

included

Somebody at Carnival knows just what you need, and it’s pretty much exactly the Serenity Adult-Only Retreat. Look, you’ll still be on the same ship as the kids, the hoopla, and all the Carnival-style excitement… but you could easily forget, because when you’re at Serenity you could not be further from it all. The world you’ll find yourself in is one of complete peace, sea breezes and, of course, a nearby bar. It’s the place to get done the kind of stuff you just can’t seem to do anywhere else — reconnect with your partner, finish that book, or do absolutely, blissfully, nothing at all.

CLOUD 9 SPA

additional

True or false: cruises are a time for relaxation. Our answer: whether you’re all action all the time, or chill to the core, everybody needs a chance to take it easy! And nobody will find an easier spot than Cloud 9 Spa aboard Mardi Gras. This is an oasis built from the ground up for relaxation, from a full complement of traditional spa services like massages, facials, body wraps to the carefully-designed climates of Cloud 9’s thermal suites… rooms swirling with moist or dry air, each heated very precisely. It turns out it’s true: anyone can find a reason to say “ahhh” at Mardi Gras’s Cloud 9 Spa.

PLAYLIST PRODUCTIONS

included

When was the last time you got up and grooved… at the theater? Playlist Productions takes songs you know and presents them like you’ve never known them before. Past favorites become full-blown musical productions featuring multi-talented performers absolutely bringing down the house with song, dance… and superstar attitude. With tunes from fan-favorite divas, crooners or rockers, each show has a different theme — and of course, a completely different playlist! Get ready for heartfelt emotions, straight-up bouncy fun, or something in-between — all types are welcome to get down here.

THE PUNCHLINER COMEDY CLUB

included

Mardi Gras has its own Punchliner Comedy Club in the Grand Central zone, and up on stage you’ll find some real pros who know how to wedge a little laughter into anyone’s evening. You can count on these comedians to not hold back either. Since some of them get up and say exactly what’s on their mind, we also schedule family-friendly performances… so the only red faces in the audience are from laughing a little too hard.

WISH MARDI GRAS HAD EVEN MORE FUN?

Whether it’s casual munching or sit-down elegance you’re hungry for, we can’t wait to throw open the doors and share all this dining variety with you.

New feature. This feature has an additional cost.

Emeril’s Bistro 1396

additional

In 2020 Mardi Gras will set sail with Emeril Lagasse’s first-ever restaurant at sea: Emeril’s Bistro 1396™. Everybody knows about Emeril’s love for Creole cuisine, and now you’ll enjoy the authentic bayou flavors and fun New Orleans is known for on your vacation. If you haven’t had the pleasure, we’re talking about fried oysters, duck & sausage gumbo, po-boy sandwiches, fresh ceviche and more. We’re serving up Emeril’s faves all day… and because flavors this big don’t just sleep in, we do some great ones for breakfast too! Raw bar, incredible desserts and Crescent City atmosphere round out the experience.

Guy's Pig & Anchor Smokehouse | Brewhouse

additional

With choices like brisket, sausage, baby back ribs and dry-rubbed chicken, our pros do the smoking right there over hickory wood before serving them up at your table. You’re in Guy Fieri’s house — Mardi Gras has Guy’s Pig & Anchor Smokehouse | Brewhouse. Now about the brews: this house of BBQ tradition doesn’t just satisfy your hunger — you’ll also enjoy our all-new, exclusive line of Parched Pig™ craft brews. There’s a smoked porter, a farmhouse ale, a hoppy IPA and a toasted amber, all brewed just feet from your table. Tip: Come by and check out the free menu at lunchtime, plus live music and lively atmosphere all day.

Guy's Burger Joint

included

We call Mardi Gras's onboard burger spot Guy’s Burger Joint. We teamed up with Guy Fieri to design not just the burgers and fries, but to help bring in the kind of rustic atmosphere you’d find at a roadside burger shack somewhere off a coastal highway. All signs point to ambiance — and serious flavor — so try a burger dressed up the way Guy likes it, or take it off-roading… to the nearby topping bar, where you can make it your own.

Bonsai Teppanyaki

additional

It’s a meal, a performance, and it’s definitely unforgettable. The Bonsai Teppanyaki experience is set to delight guests aboard Mardi Gras. Take a little time out of vacation to sit down to a selection of tempting appetizers, before your chef prepares the main course featuring selections of meats, tofu, fish, shrimp or lobster… right at your table. In the teppanyaki tradition — and Carnival’s tradition of fun — expect an interactive, satisfying meal full of surprise and delicious delight.

Bonsai Sushi

additional

So maybe you’ve had sushi before, but have you tried it at Bonsai Sushi? This is Carnival’s onboard seafood-and-soy-sauce spot, and we think you’ll enjoy our latest location, aboard Mardi Gras. Dine indoors or out amidst carefully-pruned bonsai trees, while enjoying a delectable menu with sit-down service. Rounding out the meal: soups, sides, sakes and desserts. So the next time you’re taking a stroll down the onboard promenade, stop at Bonsai Sushi for a roll, a box or maybe order a whole sushi ship — seaborne satisfaction for two.

Seafood Shack

additional

A good seafood dish… mmm, quite the catch. However you like yours — roll, bowl or platter — Seafood Shack is Mardi Gras's place for you to cast your net. Imagine a seaside spot in New England, where the locals gather for great meals served with a bit of a breeze and a lot of a view. (That said, nowhere on land will you get 360-degree ocean views like ours!) Look to Seafood Shack for rustic favorites like Crab Cake Sliders, Lobster BLT, Fried Buffalo Shrimp, Snow Crab and more. Steer a course for Mardi Gras... that’s where you’ll find this little shack by the sea, wherever in the world you happen to be!

Fahrenheit 555 Steakhouse

additional

Haute cuisine meets atmosphere at Fahrenheit 555, a dining experience that stands toe-to-toe with some of the best steakhouses on land. Except this one’s at sea — aboard Mardi Gras. Ours features your choice of steak cuts, lobster, lamb and more… and inside, there’s even a full bar that pours great pairings. Outside, there’s seating for dining al fresco. These are the building blocks of an amazing experience — delectable elements that combine with great service to offer an evening to remember.

The Chef's Table

additional

When you cruise on Mardi Gras, make sure to reserve a seat at The Chef’s Table. At this small gathering of foodies you’ll indulge in a cascading series of delectable plates as our chef… honestly, kind of shows off a little! And that’s a great thing for guests gathered around the table for dinner. Close your eyes as you savor a series of courses for the main event, but prepare to have them opened during a galley tour — a behind-the-scenes appetizer event that offers a look at where all that magic gets prepared.

JiJi Asian Kitchen

additional

A modern restaurant inspired by a millennia-old society, JiJi Asian Kitchen on Mardi Gras serves up enticing dishes in an eclectic space that brings not just good food — but also good fortune — to the table. You’ll enjoy your meal among Asian prayer rolls and Mongolian-inspired fabrics in this unique culinary experience. JiJi offers a full-service menu featuring a mix of exotic and familiar dishes designed to challenge and delight your senses.

Cucina del Capitano

additional

At Cucina del Capitano on Mardi Gras, who you’ve got gathered around the table is truly as important as what’s being served there. At our table you’ll enjoy delicious Italian favorites — we serve them family-style because we know that sharing large plates and sharing tales of your day’s adventures goes hand-in-hand. Speaking of which, our walls are adorned with old snapshots from our officers’ family albums, proving that the rustic Italian-farmhouse atmosphere definitely isn’t for show.

BlueIguana Cantina

included

BlueIguana Cantina is Mardi Gras’s onboard taco-and-burrito place, featuring freshly-made Mexican faves. Because BlueIguana is all about you, we’ll make it with the ingredients you choose — tell us which meat, veggies, rice and beans you’re in the mood for — and then we’ll hand it over to you for the finishing touches. Here, that means a detour to the salsa bar to fire it up... or if you’re not feeling the heat, that’s cool too. Any way you dress it, expect a meal that’s suited up to satisfy.

NOT HUNGRY YET?

Mardi Gras’ staterooms are major innovations in the field of helping you get ready for fun, or relaxing after a long day. (No joke — we studied it!)

STATEROOM DESIGN

Design is more than just the way things look — it’s as much about how they work. And staterooms aboard Mardi Gras are packed with innovative changes to both. It’s the way the ring-lit vanity mirror lights you evenly and shadow-free as you get ready. How the ottoman cushion flips over to serve as an extra table. And even those reading lights, recessed into the wall so you can read in bed without waking anyone! These details are really more than just details. Better comfort, lighting and storage all spring from a deep understanding we’ve developed around how people actually use their staterooms… and how small changes to the room add up to make the experience that much better. (Enough USB charging ports for everybody’s stuff? Oh yes!) Thoughtful, guest-centric design is how we do it… and all this in-room convenience comes paired with a fresh new look.

Havana Staterooms & Suites

Consider your Havana stateroom or suite your own island resort aboard Mardi Gras. Most important is the exclusive location: near the Havana Bar & Pool. This relaxation pool is your members-only spot by day, and a fun-for-all hotspot when the sun goes down. Indoors, all Havana staterooms feature a unique décor, but step up to a Havana Cabana for an extra-large outdoor chill space. Step into a Havana Cabana suite for even more space, plus a luxurious rain shower.
(All Havana stateroom guests must be 12 or older.)

Cloud 9 Spa Staterooms & Suites

Cloud 9 Spa staterooms on Mardi Gras feature exclusive décor and in-room amenities to help soothe you after a long day’s fun — spa bathrobes and slippers, plus toiletries by Elemis. Book one of these staterooms and enjoy priority spa reservations, unlimited access to the thermal suites, free fitness classes, exclusive discounts and more! And you can have comfort and value — Mardi Gras’s got a full range of Cloud 9 staterooms in all sizes, from cozy Interiors to stretch-out Suites.

Family Harbor Staterooms & Suites

Family Harbor staterooms, with their unique nautical décor, can be found near Mardi Gras’s own Family Harbor Lounge — an exclusive spot with breakfast, snacks during the day, plus board games, family movies, video games and more. The benefits don't end there — your little girls and boys eat free in most onboard specialty restaurants and get a free evening of Night Owls babysitting service, so you can enjoy a little alone time.

Interior Staterooms

Here’s the most affordable way to experience Mardi Gras, without cutting even a single corner in the comfort department. With an Interior stateroom you’ll get a full private bathroom, your choice of bed size and layout — covered in linens you can feel at home in — all of which make this truly a great spot for curling up after a long day’s fun.

Ocean View Staterooms

These comfy rooms with a view let you take in the scenery as you sail toward your beautiful destinations. And how about those views? Nowhere on land will you find anything like ‘em. But the views aren’t all that matters here — Ocean View staterooms on Mardi Gras are a little bit bigger than Interior rooms and most feature a supremely loungeable couch for those times when neither lying nor standing will do.

Balcony Staterooms

Balcony staterooms are proof that while it’s great to be cruisey… on vacation, breeziness is a virtue too. And any time you’re in your well-appointed Balcony stateroom aboard Mardi Gras, you’re just steps away from the outdoors by way of your private open-air oasis. Designed for kicking back al fresco, you’re in for some amazing ocean views… views so stunning you’ll just have to feel ‘em to believe ‘em.

Suites

Get all the comforts of home and even a few extras. Since your huge Suite aboard Mardi Gras affords you VIP status, you’re in the priority line when getting on and off the ship, plus you’re going to enjoy other exclusive perks! A Suite is the ultimate way to enjoy the ship, and the extra in-room comfort definitely goes a long way during your getaway. So feel free to put your feet up or stretch out on the extra-large balcony, there’s always room.